Critic Of Zambia President Lungu To Face Fraud Trial

Lusaka – A former Zambian minister and fierce critic of President Edgar Lungu will face trial after pleading not guilty to fraud charges on Monday following his arrest last week.

Investigators accuse ex-foreign minister Chishimba Kambwili of forging a signature on an official document and he appeared in court surrounded by hundreds of police officers who blocked access to the hearing.

“I understand the charges your honour and I plead not guilty,” lawmaker Kambwili, 50, told the court, denying the alleged offences which court documents showed date back to October 2013.

The southern African nation was last year rocked by soaring tensions that also saw a spate of arson attacks, some opposition legislators boycotting parliament and the barring of an overseas political observer.

“I am extremely excited that the matter has come to court. As you know there has been so much mud thrown at me,” said Kambwili.